Native Amer. Silver Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Ethnic, Tribal

$795 USD
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Marked PLATA925 & MEXICO & GG28

Weighs 155.9 Grams

Length measures approximately 26"

We are pleased to offer this beautiful one of a kind Sterling Silver Native American Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace. This Sterling Silver necklace measures about 26 inches in length. This necklace includes 8 Squash Blossoms with a turquoise stone, each measuring just less than 2 inches in length. The large Naja at the bottom of the necklace measures approximately 2 3/4 inches in width by 3 inches in length. For your safety this necklace has a special clasp that can only be opened with a pin so that you will never have to worry about losing your necklace. This beautiful and authentic necklace was handcrafted by a Native American Artisan from within the United States.

Well before the turn of the 20th century, jewelry making had become, along with the older tradition of weaving, an important aspect of Navajo material culture. Early Navajo silversmiths were especially known for their bracelets, concha belts and necklaces. The squash blossom necklace, in particular, became and remains very popular in the Southwest. Artistic expression continues to flourish among Navajo silversmiths today. They use silver, gold, and a variety of semi-precious and precious stones to create traditional and contemporary designs.

A squash blossom necklace is typically composed of silver beads resembling stylized blossoms, with a single crescent-shaped pendant at the center. Some squash blossom necklaces are made entirely of silver, particularly older examples; others combine silver and turquoise or silver and coral. The squash blossom design is based on a Spanish-Mexican trouser ornament that was actually a stylized version of the pomegranate blossom. The Navajo name for this type of necklace - squash blossom - has nothing to do with either squash or pomegranate blossoms. It simply means "round beads that spread out."

The Navajo word for the central crescent-shaped pendant is "názhah," meaning "curve," but such pendants are usually referred to simply as "najas." Initially, the crescent-shaped naja pendants were probably based on Spanish colonial bridle ornaments, which, in turn, were derived from a Moorish crescent design. Around 1880, Navajo silversmiths began setting stones - particularly large, rough-cut nuggets of turquoise - into silver. Turquoise was, and still is today, highly regarded and appreciated in the Southwest. To many Southwest tribes, turquoise is a sacred stone. The Navajo, who use it lavishly in their jewelry, believe that wearing turquoise brings good fortune.

Sterling silver is a white and highly reflective precious metal. Sterling refers to silver that is 92.5 percent pure, which should be stamped on the metal, sometimes accompanied by the initials of the designer or country of origin as a hallmark. Although less durable than stainless steel and other precious metals, sterling silver is often employed in watches that coordinate or look like sterling jewelry.

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Goodoletom purchased this item from a Hartford area estate. It is unique in our inventory, so Buy It Now and don't be disappointed! (101007AJ102HC)

Item ID: 101007AJ102HC